Warning made after rise in call-outs to children left in hot cars

LOCAL ambulance crews have seen a rise in call-outs about small children being left in cars as temperatures soar.

South Central Ambulance Service is now warning of the dangers of leaving children and animals in hot cars – even for short periods of time.

Tony Heselton, paramedic and safeguarding lead at SCAS, said: “Please never leave your children or pets in the car at any time.

“Even short periods of time with the windows open slightly can cause the temperature in your car to rise to over 50 degrees Celsius in a matter of minutes. This can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and even death.”

The internal temperature in a car will increase rapidly when the vehicle is stopped and there is no or very little ventilation. Small children and pets are very susceptible to the effects of extremes in temperature.

If the body temperature of a small child or pet rises without sufficient ventilation then this can cause dehydration and heatstroke – a life-endangering condition.